Brazilian airlines Azul and Gol have entered into a major new commercial partnership that will see a codeshare agreement connecting their domestic flight networks. The deal is significant as Azul and Gol, along with Latam, are the three largest airlines in Brazil, operating around 1,500 daily departures, mostly on domestic routes. The partnership aims to create more than 2,700 flight options with just one connection, benefiting customers with more travel choices.
The partnership between Azul and Gol also includes changes to their frequent flyer programs, allowing members of Azul Fidelidade and Smiles to earn points or miles when taking the new codeshare flights. The arrangement is set to begin at the end of June, providing customers with more flexibility and options for earning rewards. Gol CEO Celso Ferrer emphasized the airline’s commitment to extending benefits to passengers within Brazil, building on their existing commercial agreements with global airline partners like American Airlines and Air France-KLM.
Speculation about a potential merger between Azul and Gol has been intensifying, especially with recent reports indicating talks have gained momentum. Both airlines are enjoying favorable market conditions and have profitable side businesses, but Gol is still restructuring its financial obligations in bankruptcy, while Azul managed to do so outside of bankruptcy. Any merger between the two airlines would require regulatory approval due to their dominant positions in the Brazilian aviation sector.
Industry insiders have noted the potential benefits of a merger between Azul and Gol, as it could create a stronger competitor in the market. Azul CEO John Rodgerson has expressed openness to consolidation, while reports suggest Azul has been working with financial partners to explore a possible bid for Gol. The airline sector in Brazil is currently dominated by just three main carriers, providing opportunities for strategic partnerships and alliances to enhance service offerings for customers.
The partnership between Azul and Gol is expected to bring significant benefits to customers by providing more flight options and seamless connections within Brazil. Both airlines have strong networks and loyal customer bases, making them attractive potential partners for consolidation in the industry. While merger talks continue to circulate, the codeshare agreement between Azul and Gol marks a significant step towards enhancing their services and offerings in the Brazilian aviation market. With the support of regulators and favorable market conditions, the future of the two airlines looks promising as they navigate the challenges of the aviation industry.
